Manchester City step up interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi

Manchester City are preparing to accelerate their pursuit of Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, with the Premier League club now aiming to complete a move for the 18-year-old this summer.

The English club have reportedly decided to turn their long-standing interest into a formal operation, particularly following Rodri’s departure to FC Barcelona, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Talks involving the various parties have already produced an understanding over Bouaddi’s personal terms. A move in 2027 had previously been considered, but the current expectation is that the France Under-? midfielder will join Manchester City sooner, with a transfer now anticipated during the current summer window.

Bouaddi remains under contract with Lille until June 2029, giving the French club a strong negotiating position. However, Manchester City’s interest has intensified after the player’s performances and continued development established him as one of the most highly regarded young prospects in French football.

Born in Senlis, Bouaddi has attracted attention because of his maturity, technical ability and overall profile in midfield. Those qualities have reportedly convinced Manchester City’s decision-makers that he is a player worth securing, and the club now wants to bring the deal to a conclusion.

His market value has risen sharply in recent months. Transfermarkt’s latest estimate puts Bouaddi’s current valuation at €80m, underlining the status he has acquired in the transfer market despite his age.

Bouaddi is also reported to earn an annual salary of €1.09m at Lille, equivalent to 708.5m CFA francs. His long-term contract and growing reputation mean any agreement between Manchester City and Lille would be expected to involve a substantial fee, although the source article does not give a final transfer figure.

Lille’s immediate focus is on their opening match of the French championship, when they are due to face Angers. The match is also being covered by betting company 1xBet, which lists Lille as the favourites at odds of 1.60. A draw is priced at 3.55, while an Angers victory is offered at 4.65.

Bouaddi’s potential move would represent another significant step in a rapid rise that has made him one of the leading young midfield prospects in France. Manchester City’s reported decision to pursue the transfer this summer, rather than wait until 2027, reflects the urgency with which the club now views the deal.